King (pigeon)

Infobox Pigeonbreed
name = King

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imagecaption = A pair of white Kings.
status = Common
altname =
country = United States
nickname =
augroup =
usgroup = Utility
eegroup = Hen Pigeons
extinct =
crest =
feather =
note =The King is a breed of pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding primarily as a utility breed.cite book |last=Levi |first=Wendell |title= The Pigeon|year= 1977|publisher= Levi Publishing Co, Inc|location= Sumter, S.C.|isbn=0853900132 ] Kings along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the Rock Pigeon ("Columba livia").The breed is known for large size and suitability for squab production.

how Kings

The breed also has a variety bred for exhibition purposes at pigeon shows. It is called the "Show King" to distinguish it from the purely utility variety. The Show King is dual purpose and can be used for squab raising.Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) "Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards".]

History

The King is a dual purpose breed that originated in the United States.cite book |last=Levi |first=Wendell |title= Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds|page=202|year= 1965|publisher= Levi Publishing Co, Inc|location= Sumter, S.C.|isbn=0910876029] They were developed during the 1890's by crossing four older varieties. The "Duchess" for grace; The "Homer" for alertness; The "Maltese" for compactness and style: the "Runt" for body and size.Seymour, Rev. Colin (Ed)(2006) "Australian Fancy Pigeons National Book of Standards".]

References

See also

*List of pigeon breeds